Gyan Mudra: Flexibility for the Mind

Gyan Mudra is by far the most common mudra used by practicing yogis and depicted by wise sages and avatars in a meditative state.

A mudra is simply a hand posture. And there are many known hand postures that are used to stimulate various reflexes of the brain, and guide the energy flow of the body.

Essentially, a mudra is a flexibility exercise for the mind, just as crow pose, baby pose or chair pose is a flexibility exercise of the body.

Gyan Mudra is known as the Seal of Knowledge as it stimulates knowledge, wisdom and the power to understand.

How Is Gyan Mudra Formed?

Each of the fingers represents a different energy reflex in the brain, according to the energy meridian it carries. In the case of this particular mudra, the index finger is approximated gently to the tip of the thumb.

Apply enough pressure to feel the energy flow between the fingers, but not so much that the fingertips whiten.

Creating the seal of knowledge in this way creates an active receptivity to calmness, wisdom and expansion.

What do all the Fingers Represent?

Each finger holds a specific energy according to the quality of different planets. They also bring with them an emotional or behavioural gift or trait according to that planetary quality.

The Thumb represents the individual or ego. It is associated with the element of Earth.

The Index finger represents wisdom, expansion and openness to change. It is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element Ether.

The Middle finger represents the conversion of emotion to devotion and patience. It is associated with the planet Saturn and the element of Air.

The Ring finger represents our physical health, vitality, grace and beauty. It is associated with the planets Sun and Venus as well as the element of Fire.

The Little finger represents our power to relate and communicate with others, and to subconsciously communicate with Self. It is associated with the planet Mercury and the element of Water.

Other Common Mudras and their Uses:

You may have seen mudras other mudras where other fingers are approximated. These mudras are helpful to know and to apply in life.

For instance, if you are writing an exam and needing to access all your wisdom and knowledge, hold Gyan Mudra with your non dominant hand as you write the exam with your dominant hand.

Or, if you find yourself in an argument with a friend, hold Buddhi Mudra to bring mental clarity and the power of communication.

Review the following list of common mudras for your own use:

Shuni Mudra: Seal of Patience

Place the tip of the middle finger on the tip of the thumb

This mudra is helpful in taking of responsibility and the courage to hold duty. It is the about discipline and devotion to the laws of karma.

Surya or Ravi Mudra: Seal of Life

Place the tip of the ring finger on the tip of the thumb

This mudra is helpful in bringing healthy, energy and sexuality. It strengthens the nervous system and our intuition.

Buddhi Mudra: Seal of Mental Clarity

Place the tip of the little finger on the tip of the thumb

Practicing this mudra helps to open the capacity to communicate clearly, effectively and intuitively. It also stimulates psychic development.

Enjoy your journey into the wonderful world of Gyan Mudra and Mudras in general. They are so simple, yet powerfully effective.